Select Local Merchants

A lifelong resident of West Palm Beach, Marissa first spotted a paddleboard while thumbing through the glossy pages of a magazine. Intrigued, she scouted her hometown to sign up for a lesson and enjoyed her first experience with the sport so much that she bought her first board the next day. Not long after, Marissa launched South Florida Paddle LLC, a mobile standup paddleboard rental and tour company. Meeting up with clients at designated spots between Lake Worth Beach and Jupiter Island, Marissa leads excursions that range from shoreline ventures through ocean waves to calm glides along intracoastal waterways. Depending on the time of year, eco tours bring paddlers up close to an array of wildlife, such as manatees, spotted eagle rays, or starfish. The nocturnally-inclined can embark on a night SUP glow tour to watch the sun go down and the LED lights come up. For independent explorers, Marissa rents Cruiser ACS standup paddleboards for daytime adventures, as well as sunrise, sunset, and full-moon paddles for renters looking to hide their werewolf paws from family and friends.

The knowledgeable guides of Paddleboard Excursions are known to treat participants like family as they pilot groups of all ages and experience levels across the scenic waterways of Palm Beach County. Each tour or lesson kindles camaraderie as guides and instructors cater to every participant's comfort level and exploration goal. During lessons, teachers patiently work with their pupils to instill confidence and ensure that everyone can competently glide over the aquatic ripples and laugh at fish's inability to walk while standing upon professional paddleboards. Tours splash against the shores of Peanut, Munyon, and Jupiter Islands, and guides are quick to point out passing wildlife, such as manatees.

Sailors navigate the glittering waters of Palm Beach in one of The Boat Fleet's many vessels, which include center consoles, walkarounds, deck boats, cabin cruisers, and bowriders. Seafaring parties may adventure to nearby Peanut Island, cruise up and down the coast to spot sprawling waterfront mansions, or relax while floating in their private patches of ocean. The 21- to 33-foot boats include rigs equipped for fishing trips—including stainless-steel rod holders, game-spotting GPS, and lures that look like Bugs Bunny in a wig—and all ships stow Coast Guard safety gear and lifeboats aboard.

With the Atlantic Ocean as the backdrop for inimitable aquatic adventures, Captain Steve Cienkowski steers participants along crystalline waters for laid-back expeditions or longer jaunts to either the Keys or Bahamas. Participants can glean pertinent sailing or snorkeling tips during lessons or revel in up-close glimpses of manatees swimming and filing taxes in their natural habitat.

Established: 1994
Reservations/Appointments: Required
Staff Size: 11–25 people
Average Duration of Services: 4+ hours
Brands Used: Mares, Ocean-Tec, H2O Overdrive, Watershot, GoPro
Pro Tip: We provide the best customer service possible.
Handicap Accessible: Yes
Parking: Parking lot
Most Popular Attraction/Offering: Shark Dive
Recommended Age Group: All Ages
Q&A with Michael, General Manager
When and how did you first develop a passion for your work?
Jim Abernethy has been diving and teaching in Palm Beach County since 1981, he established Jim Abernethy's Scuba Adventures so he could share his love and passion for the ocean with others and introduce more people to the world underwater.
As the old adage says, "Stuff happens." What training do you and your staff have to stay ahead of the unexpected?
All vessels are USCG Inspected and carry the latest in first aid, emergency oxygen and AEDs. All staff is required to be dive professionals and current with their SCUBA training agency. We routinely perform safety and emergency exercises to ensure client safety.
What is the one feature of your business that you're most proud of?
Superior client service
Is there anything else you want to add that we didn't cover?
We contribute actively to the community we are in by providing food for homeless people, and discounted services to veterans, fire, police, and emergency personnel. We also contribute actively to several non profits and marine sanctuaries.